COLOMBO / GENEVA (2 December 2013) – United Nations Special Rapporteur Chaloka Beyani started today a five-day official visit to Sri Lanka to examine the overall situation of internally displaced persons (IDPs) in the country.

“I will gather first-hand information from all parties, including displaced persons and affected communities themselves,” said Mr. Beyani, who will go to Colombo, Jaffna and Mullaitivu districts.

“I will also look at the challenges and opportunities for durable solutions for IDPs, while I discuss the progress made with regard to their protection and assistance,” the rights expert added.

From 2 to 6 December 2013, the Special Rapporteur will meet with representatives from the Government, civil society and the UN, among others. He will also visit various sites of displacement and meet with displaced persons and local authorities.

Mr. Beyani will present preliminary observations through a written statement shortly after the end of mission. His full report will be presented to the Human Rights Council in June 2014.

Chaloka Beyani, professor of international law at the London School of Economics, was appointed as Special Rapporteur on the Human Rights of Internally Displaced Persons by the Human Rights Council in September 2010. Mr. Beyani is charged with monitoring, reporting and advising on the human rights situation of IDPs. As Special Rapporteur, he is independent from any government or organization and serves in his individual capacity. Learn more, visit: http://www.ohchr.org/EN/Issues/IDPersons/Pages/IDPersonsIndex.aspx